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Sgombro al Cartoccio Recipe

Sgombro al Cartoccio

Sgombro al Cartoccio is a flavorful Italian dish featuring mackerel baked in parchment paper with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. The result is a light yet satisfying meal with delicate flavors that perfectly complement the natural richness of the fish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 Survings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 whole mackerel cleaned and scaled
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parchment paper for wrapping

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Fish: Rinse the mackerel under cold water, pat dry, and season inside and out with salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble the Ingredients: Lay each mackerel on parchment paper, stuff the cavity with garlic, lemon slices, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley.
  4. Wrap the Fish: Fold the parchment paper over the fish and seal the edges tightly to form a packet.
  5. Bake: Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the fish is tender and flakes easily.
  6. Serve: Carefully open the packets (watch for steam) and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add olives or capers to the stuffing. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.